MLA dubs Rahul Gandhi 'MD of Congress circus'

A Congress leader's comment dubbing party vice-president Rahul Gandhi "the MD of Congress circus" sent the party into a tizzy, prompting Rajasthan unit chief Sachin Pilot to seek a clarification from the MLA on Saturday.

The tirade by six-time Rajasthan MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma came a few days after the party's Kerala unit suspended former minister TH Mustafa for calling Rahul Gandhi a "joker" following the party's drubbing in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls.

Pilot and leader of opposition in the state assembly Rameshwar Dudi claimed that Sharma has "refuted" making any statement against Rahul Gandhi.

Pilot said the party has also sought a clarification from Sharma.

Sharma, the MLA from Sardarshahar in Churu district, however, heaped further agony on the party by sticking to his stance.

"Rahul Gandhi is the MD (managing director) of Congress circus and is surrounded by four to five jokers. People like Rahul and Sachin Pilot have come through political legacy. Sycophants around Gandhi are misguiding him," Sharma told HT.

The BJP – which had swept to power in the state in December last year – won all the 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Pilot added that "if found that party discipline has been broken than action would be taken (against Sharma)."

The party, however, is said to be in a dilemma over taking action against Sharma, given his seniority and the party's precarious position in the assembly. The Congress has 21 MLAs in the 200-member House.